Baal Kaanda
7 - Tulasidasas humility and the glory of poetry describing Sri Rama's greatness
Chaupais
Description
Reassuring the mind in this way, I shall narrate the charming story of the Lord of Raghus. Vyasa and various other top-ranking poets, who have reverently recounted the blessed glory of Sri Hari, I bow to the lotus feet of them all; let them fulfil all my desires. I make obeisance to the bards of the Kali age, who have sung the multitudinous virtues of the Lord of Raghus. Even those poets of supreme wisdom who belong to the Prakrta or popular class (as opposed to the Samskrta or the cultured class), who have narrated the exploits of Sri Hari in the spoken language, including those who have flourished in the past, those who are still living and those who are yet to come, I reverence them, one and all, renouncing all false appearance. Be propitious and grant this boon that my song may be honoured in the assemblage of pious souls. A composition which the wise refuse to honour is fruitless labour which only silly poets undertake. Of glory, poetry and affluence that alone is blessed which, like the celestial river (Ganga), is conducive to the good of all. The glory of Sri Rama is charming indeed, while my speech is rough. This is something incongruous, I am afraid. By your grace, even this incongruity will turn out well for me; embroidery of silk looks charming even on coarse cloth.(1-6)